Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Congressman Richard E. Neal, Director of Parks, Building and Recreational Management (PBRM) Tom Ashe, Director of Capital Asset Construction Peter Garvey, Senior Project Manager My-Ron Hatchett, and Project Manager Jessica Lugo joined on Monday afternoon to highlight the major renovations to Walker Grandstand located inside Forest Park as ground was officially broken on the project.
Funding for the renovations is made possible by a $3 million Federal Community Project Funding Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The grant funding will allow the City of Springfield to initiate the first phase of redevelopment of the Forest Park Horticulture Master Plan.
The master plan for redevelopment of the Horticulture Section of Forest Park has been developed with improvements including the relocation of Forestry Operations; renovations to Walker Grandstand and the original menagerie buildings (which include the former Monkey House); replacing the original 1900 Greenhouse; improved gardens and pedestrian walkways throughout the section; upgrades to the Kennedy Memorial; and enhancements to the baseball field, lighting, security and landscaping. Currently, the buildings have been stabilized and the department is applying for additional grants to fund the estimated $12.5 million master plan.
As part of the plan, ground has been broken and work is now underway to modernize the Walker Memorial Grandstand baseball stadium facility at Forest Park with improved seating, new restrooms, a concession area, and will establish a comfortable atmosphere for the many baseball games played at this field. The stadium will also become compliant with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA). The Walker stadium work is expected to complete in April 2025 in time for Spring baseball season.
Mayor Sarno states, “Having played more than a few games here as an old catcher that ‘wore the tools of ignorance,’ whether it was in the sandlots, high school, or legion ball, it was a big deal ‘you felt like you were playing in the big leagues!’ Parks Director Tom Ashe and I are grateful for the efforts of Congressman Neal, who once a mayor always the heart of a mayor, in securing these vital federal grant funds. We are very excited to bring some life back to this iconic stadium and are looking forward to seeing some spring ball games here next year. This stadium is big part of Springfield history and we will proudly honor legendary sports columnist Garry Brown here too.”
Mayor Sarno continued, “I would also like to thank retired former Parks Director Patrick Sullivan for his vision and leadership in the development of our Forest Park Horticulture Master Plan. This project illustrates the importance of having a master plan ready so when grants do become available, we are ready to participate in the application process. Shout out and thank you to Pete Garvey and the Capital Asset team for keeping the ball rolling on this. The improvements will be a welcome addition to Forest Park and will serve the residents of Springfield and surrounding communities, and draw in visitors too.”
“For anyone that grew up playing baseball in western Massachusetts, they have fond memories of playing at Walker Stadium. Today marks a significant day not only for the City of Springfield, but for all residents of the Pioneer Valley who enjoy one of the city’s beloved treasures – Forest Park,” said Congressman Neal. “As we commemorate the groundbreaking for the rehabilitation of Walker Grandstand, we are reminded of the important role that green spaces play in urban living. I applaud Mayor Sarno and the city’s dedicated team at the Parks Department, all of whom are great stewards of our parks system. I am proud to have secured $3 million in federal funding to support this project, and I will continue working with the city to pursue additional funding opportunities.”